4450 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77004
Research
Works in progress
713.743.2451 eawhalen@uh.edu

The Innovative Competitive Advantage: A Case Study of Two Pioneering Companies

Sharing Means Caring: How the Need for Relationships Drives Guests to AirBNB

Utilizing Active Learning Activities to Increase Critical Thinking in an Information Technology
Course

Comprehensive Netnography Methodology for Consumer Behavior Studies
Grants

Teaching Innovation Program Grant- University of Houston, Spring 2016
Research Interests
Education

Online communities

Online communication

Netnography
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Destination Image
Conrad N. Hilton College , University of Houston
Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Management
Dissertation: Destination Image Netnography
Advisor: Dr. John Bowen
Conrad N. Hilton College , University of Houston
Master of Science in Hospitality Management
Anticipated Graduation: May 2018
Graduation: May 2012
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Arts: Cultural Anthropology, Summa Cum Laude
Certificates: Asian Studies, Global Studies
Minors: French, Chinese
Professional Experience
Lecturer
University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College

Awarded the Donald Greenway Teaching Excellence Award 2015

Courses: o Advanced Lodging Management Capstone Course o Advanced Hospitality Operations Capstone Course o Hospitality Marketing (in person & online) o Hotel Operations o Managing in the Service Environment (in person & online)
Graduation: April 2009
June 2012- Present

4450 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77004 713.743.2451 eawhalen@uh.edu o Housekeeping and Rooms Management o Orlando Resort Experience

Solely developed and instructed experiential learning course
Executive Director of the AH&LA Information Research Center
University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College
September 2014- September 2015
Assistant General Manager
Drury Inn and Suites Houston West/ Energy Corridor
April 2011- June 2012
Manager- Floor and Kitchen
Pappas Seafood House, Humble, Texas
Server/Headwait/Trainer
Pappas Seafood House, Humble, Texas
April 2010- April 2011
December 2009- April 2010
Ranch Hand
K-Bar-Z, Cody, Wyoming
Intramural Soccer Supervisor
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 2009- October 2009
August 2008- May 2009
Service:

Served on the AH&LEF Research Project Funding Committee

Breakout session speaker- Houston Public Library Annual Meeting

Keynote speaker- HEB Women in Leadership Luncheon Series

Student Chapter of the Hotel and Lodging Association of the Greater Houston Area Advisor

Disney Internship Program Alumni Association- Houston Chapter Club Advisor

Enrollment Services Liaison for Communications Internship
Technical Skills

Basic language skills: Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese

Computer skills: POSitouch, RALPH, SPSS, Microsoft Office Suite, LTI, HOTELsim, Blackboard Vista,
Blackboard Learn